Boston Celtics: Complete 2017 offseason grades

BOSTON, MA - SEPTEMBER 1: Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward get introduced as Boston Celtics on September 1, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images /

Drafting Semi Ojeleye

The Boston Celtics have been running counter to the common belief that a team can never have too many wings. On draft night, the Celtics added Jayson Tatum and Semi Ojeleye to a cramped space. At the time of the trade, Boston boasted on its roster Jaylen Brown, Jae Crowder, Avery Bradley, Marcus Smart and others.

Wings are the most valuable commodity in the NBA right now, and especially forwards who can slide down to the power forward position when needed and guard positions 2-4. In Semi Ojeleye, a 6’7″ combo forward out of SMU, Boston gets that exact player to slot in as a reserve piece.

Picked 37th overall, Ojeleye also has offensive versatility that is unusual for a player who fell so far. At SMU last season, he was taught the major skills of playmaking, from easy passes to manipulating the defense.

When a combo forward who can score, pass and defend falls into your lap, you don’t think twice — you make the right decision and sort things out later on. While injuries would need to hit this team for Ojeleye to be called into the rotation, he is a low-cost option at a valuable position who will be preparing for his chance down the line. Compared to those players picked before and after him, the Celtics got a steal at 37.

Grade: A

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